How to use Goldenseal for a Yeast Infection?
How to use Goldenseal for a Yeast Infection?
Goldenseal, also known as Hydrastis, is a multi-purpose herb, native to North America. It’s used to:
- disinfect wounds
- improve digestion
- treat bacterial and fungal infections
Thanks to its antifungal qualities, you can use goldenseal to supplement your treatment with other natural antifungals or as a preventative measure when your treatment is over.
The most recent study from 2016 shows that goldenseal has the ability to kill Candida cells or inhibit their growth by destroying their protective membranes.
Goldenseal owes its antifungal qualities to a compound called berberine. Research shows that berberine used with fluconazole can kill fluconazole-resistant Candida strains. The two compounds complement each other to inhibit the growth of Candida cells immune to conventional treatment.
However, no research focuses on treating vaginal yeast infections with goldenseal. So although it’s got excellent antifungal qualities, we still don’t know whether and how it affects vaginal flora when taken orally.
How do you Take Goldenseal for Best Results?
Goldenseal is usually available as a liquid extract or as capsules. Both forms are equally effective, but some liquid extract users complain it’s got a bitter taste.
Goldenseal Liquid Extract
If you take goldenseal liquid extract, dissolve 10-20 drops in a glass of water and drink the solution in the morning and in the evening.
You can use it to support your antifungal treatment to further boost your defenses, or after your treatment is finished to avoid future yeast infection bouts.
It’s also very useful for other health ailments, such as stomach problems or infections, such as cold.
Goldenseal Root Capsules
If you choose goldenseal root capsules, you can take them up to 2 times a day with a meal.
Many people use this powerful supplement not only as an antifungal but also to replace antibiotics during infections, such as cold or stomach flu with great results.
The manufacturer recommends continuous use for a week for best results.
Is Goldenseal Safe?
Goldenseal is considered safe, but it can cause liver irritation in large quantities. You should be fine if you take the dosage recommended on the label. However, you shouldn’t take goldenseal if you are:
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- suffering from high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease
- suffering from other serious conditions
Goldenseal can interact with many medications, such as:
- Cyclosporine
- Tetracycline
- Anticoagulants
- Digoxin
It can also interact with some chemotherapy drugs and antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting to take goldenseal root supplements.
Conclusion
Goldenseal root is an effective diet supplement that can help you keep Candida at bay. However, used on its own it may not be potent enough to help you get rid of a yeast infection.
It may be more effective coupled with another antifungal supplement, such as cranberry extract, to lower the risk of Candida getting immune to treatment.
According to my experience and that of my readers, aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies against a vaginal yeast infection. It can be used as vaginal suppositories, added to your smoothies and salads, or as aloe vera juice.
To learn more, please check my article about using aloe vera for a vaginal yeast infection.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with goldenseal. Have you used it to get rid of a yeast infection? Did it help? Please use the comment section below.
Try echinacea and goldenseal mixed. You can find it at Wal-Mart for like 3 bucks. It works very fast for yeast infections.
Hi, I’ve been trying to get rid of recurring yeast infections for a long time. I thought I had tried everything, but I’ve never heard about goldenseal. I’ll try it and let you know if it helped.
Hi Monique, I doubt that goldenseal will help you get rid of yeast infections for good, but it can be used as a diet supplement to help boost your defenses. If you need something natural but more potent , I highly recommend aloe vera. Good luck!